Re: Research

[IV Zulu VI]

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Hello,

I'm a (Biochemistry) sophmore at a relatively respected private school with a sGPA of 3.95 and cGPA of 3.9. Now I volunteer at the local hospital and am an officer in the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. As I approach my 2nd semester sophmore year I'm beginning to become worried that I havent began any research yet. Does anyone have any tips as to how to become involved with research, and if any type of research is preferred over another?

Thanks

 

[Kaustikos]

Hello,

I'm a (Biochemistry) sophmore at a relatively respected private school with a sGPA of 3.95 and cGPA of 3.9. Now I volunteer at the local hospital and am an officer in the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. As I approach my 2nd semester sophmore year I'm beginning to become worried that I havent began any research yet. Does anyone have any tips as to how to become involved with research, and if any type of research is preferred over another?

Thanks

You don't need research to become a physician/get into medical school. Unless you're planning on actually doing research with your medical career, I wouldn't preoccupy yourself with the goal of doing research. IF, however, you want to see if research is really for you... I'd recommend just talking to your professors and seeing what opportunities are available.

 

[MCATism]

If you want a research position, you'll likely have to seek one out. Don't send a mass "I'm an undergraduate blah-blah-blah student interested in doing research" email. This makes professors cry. Find an area you both (1) have a background in, and (2) have a real interest in, and then find a specific professor or research group that fulfills your criteria. In this email, attach a CV and explain the ways in which you feel that you could be an asset to their lab, and also express your degree of openness to alternative tasks, as well as what your time schedule is like. From what I hear, research isn't required on your application, so only do it if you really are interested in it. If you are, I strongly recommend you find something that you REALLY like, because if you are like me, it will end up taking up as least as much time as your classwork. It is one thing to add to your application that (in my case) takes up more time than all of my ECs and volunteering put together.

Ah yes... and when choosing a research supervisor (after meeting with a few), make sure you get along well, and could see yourself enjoying working for this person. Else, you will probably not be able to share your learning goals with them, nor will they write you a very warm reference letter. Even though I know LORs are very important etc etc, srsly seek out the person who you think would be the best mentor - this is far more important in the long run.

 

[Pandapurse]

Check to see if your school has an Academic REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program. I found a ton of research opportunities through the Department of Chemistry at my school because of the program.

 

[IV Zulu VI]

Thanks that really helps I appreciate it.